Gout is a condition that results when uric acid gathers in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Pseudogout is a similar condition, though it causes deposits of calcium pyrophosphate, rather than uric acid, to gather in the joints.
These two conditions also vary according to the type of joints they target. Gout is most commonly found in the base of the big toe, while pseudogout typically affects larger joints such as the ankle. The two conditions have similar symptoms, thus leading to diagnostic confusion.
Acute Injury Infections
The New York Times notes that episodes of pseudogout tend to come on suddenly, especially among older adults. These acute symptoms can subside after a few days, or can last for weeks. Attacks of gout have a similarly acute onset, but tend to subside within 48 hours.
Pain
Calcium pyrophosphate has a crystalline structure with sharp edges. These sharp edges can irritate the soft tissues and nerves associated with a joint, thus causing pain. When calcium pyrophosphate lodges in the ankle joint, pain can be localized to that area. This pain can be severe, according to MayoClinic.com, though it is not typically as severe as the excruciating effects of gout caused by uric acid crystal accumulation.
Periods of Remission
Though some people who suffer from pseudogout report constant ankle pain and discomfort, others experience periods where the pain completely disappears, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Between attacks of pseudogout, there may be periods during which none of the symptoms are present.
Swelling
The body responds to irritants by flooding the affected area with histamines. These chemicals increase the permeability of blood vessels, allowing fluids containing white blood cells to flow out through the blood vessel walls and into the area endangered by the irritant.
In cases of pseudogout in the ankle, this buildup of increased fluids in the ankle area is prompted by the presence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals. The increased fluid can cause swelling of the joint.
Arthritis
If left untreated, calcium pyrophosphate accumulations can cause erosion of the joint surfaces. Damage to the cartilage and bone of the ankle joint can cause the growth of osteophytes, or bone spurs, which are symptoms of osteoarthritis. Permanent joint damage is a possible consequence of untreated pseudogout, according to the New York Times.
